Electro-optical badge reader

Abstract

An optical punched badge reader is provided for slidably receiving a data badge, and reading data holes punched therein. The badge reader includes a row of pairs of registered data sensing apertures arranged perpendicular to the axis along which the data badge is received. The slidable movement of the badge into the badge reader actuates the slidable movement of an electro-optical strobe pair along a stationary strobe strip. In operation, the row of data sensing apertures reads the row component of each punched hole on the data badge while the electro-optical strobe pair and the stationary strobe strip read the column component.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An optical badge reading apparatus for use with a data badge having columns and rows of data apertures and an orientation aperture extending therethrough, said apparatus comprising: a badge receiving means having a substantially planar slot formed therein and defining an elongated rectangular recess for slidably receiving the data badge, said badge receiving means being provided with a plurality of pairs of registered data sensing apertures extending through said apparatus and across said slot perpendicular to the plane of said slot, said badge receiving means further including an elongated channel on each side of said elongated rectangular recess, each said elongated channel being parallel to the longitudinal axis of said elongated rectangular recess;   a light sensitive sensor mounted within one data sensing aperture of each said pair of registered data sensing apertures, and a light source mounted in the other data sensing aperture of each said pair of registered data sensing apertures;   a strobe strip means having a plurality of strobe generating apertures and an end of badge aperture disposed therein, said strobe strip means being disposed in one of said elongated channels parallel to the longitudinal axis of said badge receiving means, and being fixedly attached to said badge receiving means;   an elongated badge bar extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said elongated rectangular recess, the opposite ends of said elongated badge bar being slidably mounted in said elongated channels such that insertion of the data badge into said elongated rectangular recess causes movement of said elongated badge bar;   an electro-optical strobe means comprising at least one strobe light source and at least one strobe light sensor, said electro-optical strobe means being affixed to said elongated badge bar and disposed in the elongated channel having the strobe bar, such that movement of the elongated badge bar by the data card causes simultaneous movement of said electro-optical strobe means relative to said strobe and end of badge apertures in said strobe strip to create a strobe signal which is detected by said strobe light sensor on said electro-optical strobe means and to detect complete insertion of the badge;   electrical means connecting said electro-optical strobe means, said light sources and said light sensors to a readout device and power source; and   a tubular pull solenoid having a plunger means attached thereto, said tubular pull solenoid being activated upon complete insertion of said data badge into said optical badge reading apparatus to extend said plunger means through said orientation hole retaining said data badge in said optical badge reading apparatus, said plunger means being retracted by said tubular pull solenoid upon receipt of a signal from said power source and said readout device.   
     
     
       2. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said badge receiving means comprises a substantially rectangular first plate and a second plate having substantially the same configuration as said first plate, said second plate being mounted adjacent to and in register with said first plate, the surface of said first plate adjacent said second plate having an elongated rectangular recess formed therein, said recess defining said slot in said badge receiving means for slidably receiving said data badge. 
     
     
       3. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a biasing means for urging the slidable removal of said data badge from said badge receiving means. 
     
     
       4. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said biasing means is in communication with said badge receiving means and said elongated badge bar. 
     
     
       5. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said biasing means comprises a reel means mounted on said badge receiving means, a coil spring means cooperating with said reel means to urge the rotation thereof, and a string means having one end mounted on said reel means and the other end mounted on said elongated badge means. 
     
     
       6. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said string means is a monofilament nylon line. 
     
     
       7. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said plurality of pairs of registered data sensing apertures define a row perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said elongated rectangular recess. 
     
     
       8. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said badge receiving means includes twelve pairs of registered data sensing apertures. 
     
     
       9. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 7 wherein one pair of said plurality of pairs of registered data sensing apertures detects the presence of the data badge in said optical badge reading apparatus. 
     
     
       10. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said data badge includes an asymmetrically located orientation hole, and wherein one pair of said plurality of pairs of registered data sensing apertures cooperates with said asymmetrically located orientation hole to detect the proper orientation of said data badge. 
     
     
       11. An optical badge reading apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said strobe strip means includes ten strobe generating apertures.